Variable depth membrane packing

Abstract

Two or more pairs of packing spacers support objects within a shipping container in a floating arrangement that absorbs shock and vibration and protects the object from impact damage. Each packing spacer is comprised of rigid frames enclosed in stretchable membranes (22) which are held in position by collars (20) having off-center slots which form the frame assembly (18). These assemblies may be reversed or inverted in relation to each other thereby providing multiple spacing options to accommodate a variety of object shapes and sizes within a single size container.

What I claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for packing a solid or semisolid object, in combination with an outer container, comprising: a first frame assembly comprising a first rigid frame having a central aperture which is substantially enclosed within a pliable membrane, and a first collar of flat, semirigid material which has been slotted in such a manner as to hold said first frame in a position other than centered when said first collar is formed around the first frame and being of sufficient dimension to provide stand off from one side of said outer container;   a second frame assembly comprising a second rigid frame of similar dimension as the first frame, said second rigid frame having a central aperture which is substantially enclosed within a pliable membrane, a second collar of similar dimension as said first collar thus providing a means for varying the spacing between opposing first and second frames by choice of orientation of the opposing assemblies and thus a supporting means to a variety of objects positioned between said frames when two frame assemblies are placed in opposition within an outer container.   
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 where more than two enclosed frames are used with at least two collars within the same container. 
     
     
       3. The device of claim 1 where said first and second rigid frames are enclosed within a common membrane and separated by a seam which acts as a hinge between said first and second frames allowing the joined frames to be separated thus becoming independent enclosed frames. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 1 where more than two enclosed frames are used with a single collar. 
     
     
       5. The device of claim 1 whereby more than one frame pair are used within a single collar with multiple slots. 
     
     
       6. The device of claim 1 wherein said first and second collars are used to support said enclosed frames. 
     
     
       7. The device of claim 1 wherein a third collar is used to separate said enclosed frames.